We have a 2010 Prius V with 110k miles on it. We've taken very good are of it. Over the past few years the gas mileage was in the high 30s / low 40s but since the last few recalls it has plummeted. We've taken it to our normal mechanic who said nothing is wrong w/ the car and perhaps the Toyota Dealer would be able to help. The Toyota dealer "reset" the car (which from my understanding from a 3rd party means disconnecting the cable from the negative terminal of the 12V battery for a minute or two.) Anyway. I'm very frustrated b/c without any error codes I know nothing. Why would I replace the battery without knowing FOR SURE what is wrong w/ the car. How do I find someone to TRULY diagnose the car vs. waiting for a failure.
welcome! who told you to replace the battery? test the 12v clean the egr circuit clean the throttle body check the spark plugs what tires and pressures are you running? check the air and cabin filters check the oil level without codes, it's a guessing game all the best!
Thanks, No one said to, I just know when my sister's battery died (2 mos ago on 2007 Prius) she said mileage started lagging bad. 12V - tested, Tires are Continental True Contact (sticky in the rain more important than mileage), normal pressures., Filters changed regularly / inspected. Oil is fine. That leaves EGR circuit, Spark Plugs, Bus Bars.. Thanks for suggestions!
If you are not seeing any check engine light or the “Check Hybrid System” message, it is very likely that you have a brake dragging. Any type of hybrid system malfunction will give one or the other. The brakes won’t. Drive it a few miles, then get out and put your hand close to the wheels, one at a time. They should feel about the same temperature at all four wheels. The hottest one is the one dragging. If one is dragging, the hardware, brake hose, or calipers are suspect.
After a drive, if you jack up the wheels one at a time (set the parking brake when you lift the front end so you can put the car in neutral), or have the thing put on a lift in neutral, the wheels should spin a couple of rotations by themselves if given a spin by hand. Think of the big wheel on “The Price Is Right”. They shouldn’t stop right away.
